Virginia Beach to Arlington Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Virginia Beach to Arlington, VA (~205 miles) typically ranges from $247 to $5,238.
Local movers such as TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.48 out of 5 stars across 259 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $97/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in Virginia Beach
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Virginia Beach to Arlington?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Virginia Beach to Arlington are regulated by Virginia law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Virginia intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Virginia companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.48/5) as the top local pick, followed by Atlantic Beach Movers (4.5/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Virginia Beach to Arlington moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 104+ Virginia movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Virginia Beach to Arlington?
The cost to move from Virginia Beach to Arlington ranges from $247 to $5,238*, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Here's what to expect depending on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $820 - $5,238
- Moving containers: $816 - $2,354
- Rental trucks: $247 - $557
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs because you handle the loading and unloading while the company handles the drive.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you have to drive the truck yourself and find or hire moving labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $820 - $3,183 | $816 - $1,461 | $247 - $400 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,385 - $4,151 | $1,072 - $1,864 | $252 - $513 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,753 - $5,238 | $1,446 - $2,354 | $305 - $557 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 104+ Virginia moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Virginia Beach, VA movers.
How Virginia Beach to Arlington moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $97 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,164.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Virginia Beach to Arlington
Moving from Virginia Beach to Arlington is a job for local and regional Virginia movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.48 out of 5 stars across 259 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Virginia Beach to Arlington
Local movers operating within Virginia know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.48/5 stars): 81.1% positive customer ratings.
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.5/5 stars): 87.4% positive customer ratings.
- A Friendly & Affordable Mover (4.44/5 stars): 86.9% positive customer ratings.
- Tidal Town Moving (4.48/5 stars): 93.7% positive customer ratings.
- Coleman Worldwide Moving (4.5/5 stars): 37.3% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 20 movers in Virginia Beach, drawing on 3,863 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Virginia Beach to Arlington
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Virginia moving resources
How does Arlington compare to Virginia Beach?
Cost of living: Virginia Beach vs. Arlington
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Virginia Beach | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,950 | $2,718 |
| Average home cost | $366,324 | $866,334 |
| Average income (per capita) | $90,685 | $140,160 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,533 | $6,867 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,910 | $11,970 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 4.0% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Virginia Beach and Arlington comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 104+ Virginia moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Arlington are 39% higher than in Virginia Beach. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 39% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Arlington are 136% higher than Virginia Beach. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in Arlington is 55% higher than Virginia Beach. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in Arlington is 51% higher than Virginia Beach. Plan to add roughly 51% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Arlington is 103% higher than Virginia Beach. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Arlington runs 17% lower than Virginia Beach. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Arlington and Virginia Beach match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,530 in Arlington to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Virginia Beach.
How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. Arlington
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Arlington might look different from Virginia Beach in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Virginia Beach | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 457,672 | 238,643 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 81-17 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 32ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 43" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 15" |
| Crime index | 42.0 | 15.67 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Virginia can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 29% of movers in Virginia, vs 33% nationally).
- Arlington is 48% smaller in size than Virginia Beach. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, both Virginia Beach and Arlington voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Arlington (88°F) match Virginia Beach (88°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Virginia Beach (32°F) and Arlington (27°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Virginia Beach (47 inches) and Arlington (43 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Arlington is 15 inches, vs. 6 inches in Virginia Beach. Plan for snow tires, plowing services, and a longer winter season.
- Crime index in Arlington (15.67) is lower than Virginia Beach (42.0). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Arlington
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Arlington's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
Museums in Arlington
- JW Tumbles
- Ball-Sellers House Museum
- David M. Brown Planetarium
- Arlington Historical Museum
- Arlington Arts Center
Parks in Arlington
- Gravelly Point Park
- Long Bridge Park
- Bon Air Park
- Upton Hill Regional Park
- Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Sports teams in Arlington
- Arlington Youth Football Club
Universities in Arlington
- Marymount University
Final verdict: Virginia Beach to Arlington movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Virginia service. For smaller moves, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.48/5) is the top local choice, with 81.1% positive reviews across 259 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $247 - $5,238, based on our analysis of 104+ Virginia movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Virginia Beach to Arlington
How much are moving container companies from Virginia Beach to Arlington?
Moving containers from Virginia Beach to Arlington cost $577 - $1,409 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $1,072 - $1,864, and a larger home costs $1,446 - $2,354.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Arlington?
The cheapest time to move to Arlington is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
What percentage of Virginia Beach movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 85% of movers in Virginia Beach handle piano moves, and 50% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Virginia Beach to Arlington?
A full-service move from Virginia Beach to Arlington costs $728 - $2,738 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,385 - $4,151, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,753 - $5,238.
How far in advance should I book Virginia Beach-to-Arlington movers?
Book your Virginia Beach to Arlington movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
